Civil servants must maintain “good behaviour” with public, says amended AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968

BUREAUCRATS now have to maintain “courtesy and good behaviour with the public”, according to sub-rule (1A) of the newly amended All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. BoI here lists the points as inserted into the rules through an amendment:
Under sub-rule (1A), every member of the service shall maintain:
a) High ethical standards, integrity and honesty;
b) Political neutrality;
c) Promoting of the principles of merit, fairness and impartiality in the discharge of duties;
d) Accountability and transparency;
e) Responsiveness to the public, particularly to the weaker section;
f) Courtesy and good behaviour with the public.

Under sub-rule (2B), every member of the Service shall:
a) Commit himself to and uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and democratic values;
b) Defend and uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of state, public order, decency and morality;
c) Maintain integrity in public service;
d) Take decisions solely in public interest and use or cause to use public resources efficiently, effectively and economically;
e) Declare any private interests relating to his public duties and take steps to resolve any conflicts in a way that protects the public interest;
f) Not place himself under any financial or other obligations to any individual or organisation which may influence him in the performance of his official duties;
g) Not misuse his position as civil servant and not take decisions in order to derive financial or material benefits for himself, his family or his friends;
h) Make choices, take decisions and make recommendations on merit alone;
i) Act with fairness and impartiality and not discriminate against anyone, particularly the poor and the under-privileged sections of society;
j) Refrain from doing anything which is or may be contrary to any law, rules, regulations and established practices;
k) Maintain discipline in the discharge of his duties and be liable to implement the lawful orders duly communicated to him;
l) Be liable to maintain confidentiality in the performance of his official duties as required by any laws for the time being in force, particularly with regard to information, disclosure of which may prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of state, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the state, friendly relation with foreign countries or lead to incitement of an offence or illegal or unlawful gains to any person;
m) Perform and discharge his duties with the highest degree of professionalism and dedication to the best of his abilities.